Second case of desperate blaze in Algeria: More details about Mohcen’s circumstances of suicide

Young Algerian Bouterfif Mohcen died on Saturday 15 January after he suffered serious burns because of setting himself on fire in the square of Boukhedra in Tebessa city, east of Algeria.

Bouterfif Mohsen felt insulted during a conversation with the head of the municipality because he was searching for a solution to his problems while talking to the first official whose task is solving problems of citizens in his town, but when the official insulted him he decided to set fire on himself facing a hard moment of anger and despair.

News of his death spread secretly until the evening in the streets of El Hafnaoui, Guenaz, and then in the other neighborhoods, where citizens rushed to his house and met his father Omar Bouterfif.

Dozens of people gathered in his house to mourn Mohcen’s family members who were very sad and his fathers who looked exhausted and tired after losing his son who is also the family’s money earner.

Minutes and hours passed before the city of Boukhedra, Tebessa, east of Algeria, turned to a scene of mourning and solidarity, and all streets were crowded with citizens who come from everywhere to offer condolences to Mohcen’s family and also to see the first case of the kind in this locality.

Citizens from all society classes offered their condolences to the family of mohsen and voices of youngsters from different streets and squares launches expressions of anger against those who caused death of their brother Mohcen, saying that he set fire on himself after he thought his life, fate and future have no existence in the reality of Benkhadra city, especially since he, as confirmed by citizens in their different marginal conversations, decided together with a group of youngsters to launch a hanger strike without mess when they will not find a solution by the mayor of the city. Their decision was not objected to by those who heard it, especially as social conditions of Mohcen Boutefif were very hard, because he was a money earner for twelve members of family, a disabled mother since five years.

Mohcen’s family was also threatened to house evacuation by the authorities therefore he paid 100.000 dinars although he suffered unemployment and only owned a tin kiosk which do not provide money for milk and sugar for the his small family, consisting of wife and one year son, however, frown on the face and words that carry challenge pushed those youngsters to back on the hunger strike and go directly to the gas station to bring a quantity of gasoline and during their return to the headquarters of the municipality he sprayed his entire body with gasoline and tried to prove that he is a man because the official told him that he is unable to it, at that moment he kindled out a lighter and said “ I can set myself on fire.

Groups of youngsters intervened to rescue Mohcen’s body, while officials were shocked and did not understand what happened in front of their eyes, some of them said it is unbelievable, according to eye witnesses.

Mohcen was transferred to hospital of the city, in the presence of gendarmes, for treatment, then to a second hospital where doctors say that he suffered burns of third degree and decided to transfer him to the University Hospital of Annaba, east of Algeria.

The incident coincided with the protests of groups of youngsters who were expressing extreme anger trying to revenge and burn all the city, but the quick move of the governor of Tebessa Mr. Mabrouk Belouiz, despite the large distance at about 45 km tempered their anger after he talked to them for a long time, promising that he will dissolve the elected council, asking them to meet him at the locality headquarters to discuss their concerns. The next day the father of Mohcen was among citizens who met the governor who promised to find solutions to his family’s problems.

Mohcen’s wife also tried to put an end to her life in solidarity with her husband who left a one year son and another in her womb.

Many citizens also said they will commit mass suicides, but wise men succeeded in persuading them to prevent a major disaster amid angry youngsters who are not convinced by the governor’s promises and visits expressing lack of confidence.